Physics Colloquium

Throughout much of the past century, particle accelerators have been a critical tool for enabling high energy and nuclear physics studies. As more rare processes are pursued, higher power accelerators are needed to explore these events. High power accelerators are also used as drivers for producing spallation neutrons used in neutron scattering, and future applications include drivers of sub-critical fission systems for energy production and transmutation of fission product wastes. The Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is one of the world's highest power proton accelerators, capable of over 1 MW beam power. The high power operation experience will be discussed, along with plans for future high power (multi-MW) accelerators under consideration around the world. High power operational challenges, such as managing beam loss and target survivability will also be discussed.